Man found carrying AR-15 near school

SOMERSET, Wis. – A Somerset man was arrested Tuesday after he was found carrying loaded weapons near a school.

Mark J. Hoffman, 23, was found walking and carrying two weapons near Somerset Middle School just after noon. According to a news release from the Somerset Police Department, Hoffman was carrying an AR-15- style rifle on a sling across his back and a Glock, semi-automatic .45 caliber pistol in a holster on his hip.

Officers attempted to question the Hoffman about his intentions, but he refused to give officers any information.

Since the original rep-

orted location of the man was within 1,000 feet of a school, officers determined that Hoffman was in violation of state statutes. Only persons who fall under state statute exceptions are allowed to carry weapons near schools, according to the release. When he refused to identify himself, Police Chief Doug Briggs said, the officers couldn’t determine whether the man fell under the allowed exceptions in state statutes.

Hoffman was arrested on charges of obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct and booked into the St. Croix County Jail. Both weapons were found to have high-capacity magazines and were loaded.